Race game device

ABSTRACT

A loop track for race horses is disposed at the center of a horse race game device. Twelve race horses run on the track. A gate is disposed in a paddock in the track. The gate is advanced to a start point of the track from the paddock. Twelve satellites are disposed on three sides of the track. A large projector for displaying images of developments, etc. of a race is disposed on one of the short sides of the track. Speakers for live broadcasting, fanfares, BGM, etc. are disposed on both sides of the large projector. The horse race game device enables a larger number of running objects to be raced at once, whereby race developments are made more amusing.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a race game device for playing a gameby anticipating the winning places of moving objects, such as modelhorses, model cars or others, which are to be run on a track in a modelhorse race, model boat race, model car race, an auto race or others.

BACKGROUND ART

There have been conventionally many kinds of race game devices for modelhorse races, boat races, car races, auto races, etc. In the conventionalrace devices, moving objects, such as model horses, model cars, etc.,are run on loop courses to compete for winning place or to anticipatewinning places. In these race games, however, the moving objects can berun only on preset loop tracks, which cannot help making the games lessrealistic and less amusing.

To make such race games more realistic, the applicant of the presentapplication has filed a patent application (Japanese Patent Laid-OpenPublication No. Sho 63-094884/1988) on an epoch-making race game devicein which moving objects can be run on free courses on a field in placeof set loop courses. In the race game device, moving objects, such asmodel horses, can be run freely on the field, which permits developmentof the race as in actual horse races. Thus, the race game device canmake the game realistic and is popular among game players.

The applicant of the present application has further improved theabove-described race game device so that a larger number of movingobjects can race at once, and realistic, amusing races, such as horseraces, boat races, etc., are made possible. As a result, an innovativerace game device which enables winning place anticipation and realisticrace developments to be enjoyed has been realized.

An object of the present invention is to provide a race game devicewhich permits a larger number of moving objects to be run at once.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a race game devicewhich enables realistic race developments to be enjoyed.

Further another object of the present invention is to provide acompeting game device which has contrived lighting for a race to therebysuccessfully make the race impressive.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The above-described objects are achieved by a race game device forracing moving objects on a field, comprising: position detecting meansdisposed on the field for the moving objects to be raced on fordetecting positions of the moving objects, the position detecting meansbeing separable in a plurality of members along preset parting lines;and connection means for connecting said a plurality of members at thepreset parting lines.

The above-described objects are achieved by a race game device forracing moving objects on a field, comprising: sound generating meansdisposed on reset positions along running track of said a plurality ofmoving objects on the field; and sound generation control means forgenerating running sounds of the moving objects from the soundgenerating means, based on the preset positions of the sound generatingmeans and on the positions of the moving objects.

The above-described objects are achieved by a race game device forracing moving objects on a field, comprising: a plurality of photosignal generating means disposed at preset positions along a runningcourse of the moving objects on the field, said a plurality of photosignal generating means outputting photo signals to the moving objects.

The above-described objects are achieved by a race game device forracing moving objects on a field, comprising: photo signal outputtingmeans disposed on each of the moving objects; and photo signal detectingmeans disposed at preset positions along a running track for the movingobjects on the field, photo signals from the photo signal outputtingmeans of the moving objects being detected by the photo signal detectingmeans.

The above-described objects are achieved by a race game device forracing moving objects along a field, comprising: light emitting meansfor outputting light from an upper surface or a side of the field, thelight emitting means outputting light corresponding to the racing of themoving objects on the field.

The above-described objects are achieved by a race game device forracing moving objects on a field, comprising: a game screen fordisplaying game information to a player, the player pressing the gamescreen to display a trace of the pressing over the game information onthe game screen.

The above-described objects are achieved by a race game device forracing moving objects on a field, comprising: a game screen fordisplaying game information to a player; storing means for storinginformation corresponding to a plurality of races which are to be held,race information selected by the player out of the information of said aplurality of races stored in the storing mean being displayed on thegame screen.

The above-described objects are achieved by a race game device forracing running objects on a field, comprising: a start gate for aplurality of the running objects to be aligned at, gates of the runningobjects being opened when a race is started.

The above-described objects are achieved by a race game device forracing running objects on a field, comprising: motors for running themoving objects, diagnosing means for diagnosing states of the motors,and photo signal outputting means for outputting as photo signalsresults of the diagnoses made by the diagnosing means which are includedwith the respective moving objects; photo signal detecting meansdisposed at preset positions along a running track for the movingobjects on the field, photo signals from the photo signal outputtingmeans of the running objects being detected by the photo signaldetecting means.

The above-described objects are achieved by a race game device forracing moving objects on a field, comprising: motors for running themoving objects, and drive control means for controlling drive of themotors to move the moving objects forward and backward.

The above-described objects are achieved by a race game device forracing running objects on a field, comprising: motors for running therunning objects, and drive control means for PMW (Pulse WidthModulation) controlling the motors.

The above-described objects are achieved by a race game device forracing moving objects on a field, comprising: light irradiating meansfor irradiating light to the field from above the field; lightirradiation control means for controlling light irradiated by the lightirradiating means in accordance with a running state of the movableobjects.

The above-described objects are achieved by a game device in which aplurality of game players participate to play, comprising: a pluralityof operation units operated by said plurality of game players; and anelectric power source unit for supplying electric power to said aplurality of operation units, each of the operation units including: anelectric power source switch for turning on and off electric sourcepower from the electric power source unit; a door switch interlockedwith opening/closure of a door; and means for breaking the electricsource power, based on a state of the door switch.

The above-described objects are achieved by a game device in which aplayer participates to play, comprising: n operation unit operated bythe player, the operation unit including: a medal outlet for payingmedals; and a medal container disposed on the medal outlet for receivingthe medals.

According to the present invention, a race game device which can race alarger number of moving objects at once and which can make racedevelopments more amusing can be realized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of a general appearance of the horse race game deviceaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a general constitution of the horse racegame device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view of a constitution of a hoofbeat generating unit of thehorse race game device.

FIG. 4 is a view of an example of sound volumes of sound sources for therespective speakers of the hoofbeat generating unit.

FIG. 5 is a view of a constitution of the position detecting unit of thehorse race game device.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the position detecting unit of the horserace game device, which explains the position detecting unit.

FIG. 7 is a view of a constitution of the infrared output unit of thehorse race game device.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the infrared output unit of the horse racegame device, which explains the infrared output unit.

FIG. 9 is a view of a constitution of the light emitting turf of thehorse race game device.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the light emitting turf of the horse racegame device, which explains the light emitting turf.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a satellite of the horse race game device.

FIG. 12 is a view of one example of game displays shown by the satelliteof the horse race game device.

FIG. 13 is a view of another example of game displays shown by thesatellite of the horse race game device.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the satellite of the horse race gamedevice, which shows a constitution of the satellite.

FIG. 15 is a view of a constitution of the start gate of the horse racegame device.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the start gate of the horse race gamedevice, which explains its operation.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the truck and the carrier of the modelrace horse of the horse race game device, which shows structuresthereof.

FIG. 18 is views of a constitution of the truck and the carrier of therace horse of the horse race game device, FIG. 18A being a bottom viewof the truck of the race horse, FIG. 18B being a plan view of thecarrier, and FIG. 18C being a sectional view of the carrier near thecenter thereof.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of the carrier of the horse race game device.

FIG. 20 is a view of a constitution of the race horse of the horse racegame device.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the race horse, which explains a partof its mechanism.

FIG. 22 is a view of a constitution of the race horse of the horse racegame device in a state in which the model jockey is swinging the whipupward.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the model race horse, which explains apart of its mechanism.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the model race horse, which explains apart of its mechanism.

FIG. 25 is a view of a constitution of the race horse of the horse racegame device in a state in which the model jockey is standing.

FIG. 26 is a view of a general appearance of the horse race game deviceaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of a general constitution of the horse racegame device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is views of one example of the track lighting unit of the horserace game device, which shows a structure thereof.

FIG. 29 is a view of another example of the track lighting unit of thehorse race game device, which shows a structure thereof.

FIG. 30 is a view of further another example of the track lighting unitof the horse race game device, which shows a structure thereof.

FIG. 31 is a view of a layout of the satellites of the competing gamedevice.

FIG. 32 is a view of an interior structure of the satellites of thecompeting game device.

FIG. 33 is views of a structure of front panel of the satellites of thecompeting game device.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment)

A horse race game device according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention will be explained with reference to the drawings.

(General Appearance of Horse Race Game Device)

A general appearance of the horse race game device is shown in FIG. 1.

A horse race loop track 12 is provided at the center of the horse racegame device 10, Twelve model horses 14 are run on the track 12. A gate18 is provided on the track 12 and is advanced to a start point on thetrack 12 when a race is started.

On three sides of the track 12 there are provided twelve satellites 22.Ten of the 12 satellites are disposed on each of the longer sides of thetrack 12, five on each side, and two of the 12 satellites are disposedon one of the shorter sides of the track 12.

A large projector which displays images of the developments of a horserace is provided on the other of the shorter sides of the track 12. Onboth sides of the large projector 24 there are disposed speakers 26 forlive broadcast, output of fanfares, background music, etc. On both endsof said one shorter side of the track 12 there are disposed pillars 28which accommodate speakers 27.

(General Constitution of the Horse Race Game Device)

A general constitution of the horse race game device is shown in FIG. 2.

A main network CPU 30 generally controls the horse race game device, andconducts main control of a horse race game, including administration ofregistered race horses, decision on the race program, decision of entryhorses, decision of odds, race anticipation, administration of players'bets, lots for the first and the second places, decision of allotments,settlement of refunds, rewrite of registered horse data, etc.

A game control CPU 32 conducts basic control for execution of a horserace, including decision of developments of the horse race, control of agate mechanism, control of goal LEDs, control of field illumination,etc.

A carrier control CPU 34 controls movements of the model race horses,and conducts main control, including detection of positions of the modelrace horses, commands to the model race horses, etc.

The main network CPU 30 is connected to a live broadcasting output unit36. The broadcasting output unit 36 outputs live broadcasts of a race,fanfares, background music, results, etc., from the speakers 26 on bothsides of the large projector 24 and from the speakers 27 in the pillars28.

The main network CPU 30 is connected to a horse hoofbeat generation unit38. The sound of hoofbeats corresponding to gaits of the model racehorses is outputted from dome speakers disposed in the respectivesatellites 22 to thereby make the race realistic. The horse hoofbeatgeneration unit 38 will be detailed later. The carrier control CPU 34 isconnected to a position detecting unit 40 which detects positions ofcarriers, and 4 correctly detects positions of the model race horses,based on oscillation signals outputted by the carriers carrying themodel race horses. The track 12 must be large enough to accommodatetwelve model race horses. In the present embodiment, the track 12 isdivided into three parts to facilitate its installation. The positiondetecting unit 40 will be detailed later,

The carrier control CPU 34 is connected to an infrared output unit 42which outputs command signals to the carriers. The infrared output unit42 outputs infrared signals to give various command signals to thecarriers. A number of infrared output units 42 are disposed in the trackso that all the carriers in the track can detect the infrared signals.

The carrier control CPU 34 is connected to an infrared detection unit 44which detects infrared signals from the carriers. In the presentembodiment, CPUs are mounted on the respective carriers, so that, forexample, states of electric power motors of the carriers can be detectedby the respective CPUs. The carriers output results of the detection asinfrared signals.

A plurality of the infrared detection units 44 may be disposed in thetrack, as may be a plurality of the infrared output units 42, but in thepresent embodiment the infrared detection unit 44 is disposed near thestarting point, so that when the carriers are gathered at the startingpoint, command signals indicative of results of the detection of thecarriers are outputted, and the detection results from the carriers areoutputted as infrared signals. The infrared detection unit 44 detectsinfrared signals outputted by the carriers.

The main network CPU 30 is connected to an arc net HUB 46. The arc netHUB 46 is connected to the 12 satellites. Each satellite 22 includes asatellite BD, a 17-inch monitor, a touch panel, a casting switch, ahopper lamp, etc. The satellites 22 will be detailed later.

The main network CPU 30 is connected to an arc net HUB 48. The arc netHUB 48 is connected to the large projector 24 through a projector driver50. The projector driver 50 drives the large projector 24. The largeprojector 24 displays the progress and developments of a race,announcements of races, race results, race live broadcasting, titles,etc.

The arc net HUB 48 is connected to a gate dot matrix 54 through a dotmatrix control unit 52. The gate dot matrix 54 is disposed on an upperpart of the gate and is constituted by 4 sheets of 16×32 dot matrix LEDslaterally arranged. The dot matrix control unit 52 controls display ofthe gate dot matrix 54. The gate dot matrix 54 displays entry horsenumbers, kinds of horse races, horse names, track states, horses inupper placing (up to the fifth place) during a race, etc.

The main network CPU 30 is connected to light-emitting turf 60 through alight-emitting turf control unit 56 and a light-emitting turf driver 58.The light-emitting turf 60 comprises light a emitting body buried belowthe track 12. When the model race horses are run, the light-emittingbody is actuated so as to make the model race horses appear speedy. Thelight-emitting law control unit 56 controls light-emission of thelight-emitting turf 60, and the light-emitting turf driver 58 drives thelight-emitting turf 60. The light-emitting turf 60 will be detailed.

The game control CPU 32 is connected to a goal LED/flash 64 through agoal driver 62 and to field lighting lamps 68 through a lamp driver 66.The goal driver 62 drives the goal LED/flash 64. The lamp driver 66drives the field lighting lamps 68. The LED/flash 64 is disposed at thegoal position of the track 12, and lights on and off or flashes when amodel race horse arrives at the goal to lend an aspect of excitement tothe race. The field lighting lamps 68 are disposed on the pillars 28 andare switched on to illuminate the track 12.

The game control CPU 32 is connected through a DC motor driver 70 tomotors and a sensor included in a gate mechanism 72. The gate mechanism72 includes a vertical motion motor for moving the gate up and down, aswing motion motor which swings the gate, a gate opening/closing motorwhich opens and closes the gate, and a limit/position detecting sensorwhich detects a limit position and other required positions of the gate.The gate mechanism 72 will be detailed later.

The main network CPU 30 is connected to various means for maintainingthe horse race game device 10.

The main network CPU 30 is connected to a 10-inch motor 80. The 10-inchmotor 80 includes a test switch necessary for maintenance operations.The 10-inch monitor 80 displays states of the respective units of thehorse race game device 10, meter data and trouble indications.

The main network CPU 30 is connected to a mechanism control unit 82. Themechanism control unit 82 is connected to a lifter mechanism 86 throughan AC motor driver 84 and to a lifter operation switch 88 and a lifteroperation indicating LCD 90. The lifter mechanism 86 includes a verticalmotion motor which moves the entire track up and down at the center, andan UP/DOWN limit switch which detects vertical limit positions.

When the lifter operation switch 88 is actuated, the entire track ismoved up and down by the lifter mechanism 86. When the entire track islifted upward, the carriers below the track 12 can be easily accessedfor maintenance. States of the lifter motions are indicated by thelifter operation indication LCD 90.

For prohibiting accidents, when the entire track is moved up and down,the track is moved slowly with a buzzer set to ON. When the entire trackis moved down, there is a danger that fingers may be caught, but whenthe entire track is moved up, because the danger of fingers being caughtis rare, the entire track is moved up relatively fast so as to reducemaintenance time. The UP/DOWN limit switch prevents accidents due toerroneous operations.

(Hoofbeat Generation Unit)

A constitution of the hoofbeat generation unit 38 of the horse race gamedevice 10 is shown in FIG. 3.

The hoofbeat generation unit 38 of the present embodiment faithfullyreproduces the sound of hoofbeats of actual race horses passingspecters.

In the conventional horses race game device, to make hoofbeats, in placeof sounding hoofbeats by a plurality of speakers, sound volumes of aplurality of speakers are adjusted to output the sound of the hoofbeatsas if actual race horses were running along a track. However, it isimpossible to effectively vary sounds corresponding to the developmentof a race only by adjusting sound volumes of a plurality of speakers.Invariably, the same sound effects result, for example, in a race inwhich all model race horses run in one group, as in a race in which afew model race horses lead, and the rest of the model race horses run inone group, or as in a race in which many model race horses lead in agroup, and one or some model race horses run in a trailing group.

The hoofbeat generation unit 38 of the present embodiment overcomes thisdifficulty and can make realistic sound corresponding to race real-lifedevelopments.

Around the track 12 of the horse race game device 10 there are disposedtwelve dome speakers SP1-SP12. To be specific, the twelve dome speakersSP1-SP12 are disposed respectively in the 12 satellites. Game players inthe respective satellites can hear hoofbeats from their respectivesatellites.

The twelve speakers SP1-SP12 respectively include sound sources 1-12 andamplifiers AMP1-AMP12. The sound sources 1-12 are controlled by a soundcontroller 100. The sound controller 100 is connected to the gamecontrol CPU 32.

Channels for the number of entered race horses are allocated to each ofthe twelve sound sources 1-12. In the present embodiment, a maximumnumber of twelve race horses can enter, and as shown in FIG. 4, twelvechannels are allocated to each of the twelve sound sources 1-12. Thesound sources 1-12 have different tones depending on the entered racehorse.

When a horse race game is started, various event signals are suppliedfrom the game control CPU 32 to the sound source controller 100. Thesound source controller 100 equally generates background music, shouts,various announcements, etc., in response to the various event signals inthe sound sources 1-12, and the twelve speakers SP1-SP12 make sounds.

When the horse race is started, the game control CPU 32 supplies thecurrent positions of the race horses and race horse numbers to the soundsource controller 100 in real time. The sound source controller 100decides on the sound volume of the respective channels of each speakerSP1 -SP12, based on the current positions of the race horses, Forexample, it is assumed that six race horses No. 1 to No. 6 are enteredand are running in the order of No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 6, No. 5 andNo. 4 as shown in FIG. 3 and as a result of the sound volume of therespective channels are decided as shown in FIG. 4.

A horse race game device performs a race in accordance with preset racedevelopments, and it is possible to make hoofbeats based on the racedevelopments. However, the present embodiment detects the currentpositions of the model race horses and makes hoofbeats, based on thecurrent positions, whereby even if one model race horse is behind orstops due to an accident, hoofbeats corresponding to the actualsituation can be made.

As shown in FIG. 4, hoofbeats of the model race horse No. 6 which haspassed by, and those of the model race horse No. 5 which is coming nearare outputted. The speaker SP2 outputs hoofbeats of the model racehorses No. 2 and No. 3, and those of the model race horse No. 6 which ispassing by. The speaker SP 3 outputs hoofbeats of the model race horseNo. 1 which has passed by, those of the model race horses No. 2 and No.3 which are passing by, and those of the model race horse No. 6 which isjust coming up. The speaker SP 4 outputs hoofbeats of the model racehorse No. 1 which is passing by, and hoofbeats of the model race horsesNo. 2 and No. 3 which are coming up. The speaker SP 5 outputs hoofbeatsof the model race horse No. 1 which is coming near. The speakers SP 6,SP 7 do not output hoofbeats. The speaker SP 9 outputs hoofbeats of themodel race horse No. 4 which is passing by, and those of the model racehorse No. 5 which has passed by. The speaker SP 10 outputs hoofbeats ofthe model race horse No. 5 which is passing by, and those of the modelrace horse No. 4 which is coming up. The speaker SP 11 outputs hoofbeatsof the model race horse No. 5 which is coming near, and those of theremote model race horse No. 4 which is coming near. The speaker SP 12outputs hoofbeats of the model race horse No. 6 which has passed by, andhoofbeats of the remote model race horse No. 5 which is coming near.

FIG. 4 shows sound volume levels of the respective channels of therespective speakers, but note that the general sound volume is increasedso that the empty channels can output hoofbeats to some extent.

As described above, the hoofbeat generation unit of the presentembodiment can correctly reproduce the hoofbeats corresponding to thenumber of the entered model race horses and to the race developments,which can drastically improve the realistic feeling of sounds andimages, aural perspective, etc.. As a result, realistic effective soundscan be reproduced.

(Position Detecting Unit)

The constitution of the position detecting unit 40 is shown in FIGS. 5and 6.

The position detecting unit of the present embodiment allows a largetrack on which a number of model race horses can be raced at once to berealized.

In the horse race game according to the present embodiment, as shown inFIG. 6, model race horses 110 on the track 2 are moved by carriers 112below the track 12. As shown in FIG. 5, to detect positions of thecarriers 112, an X-directional position detecting plate 114 whichdetects X-directional positions of the carriers 112, and a Y-directionalposition detecting plate which detects Y-directional positions of thecarriers 112 are provided. The X-directional position detecting plate114 and the Y-directional detecting plate 116 detect an oscillationsignal outputted by an oscillation coil of the carriers 112 to therebycorrectly detect positions of the carriers 112, i.e., the model racehorses 110.

The track 12 is so large that it is difficult to form the positiondetecting plates 114, 116 one sheet each. In the present embodiment,therefore, the position detecting plates 114, 116 are respectivelydivided into three parts to facilitates their transportation, loadingand installation.

As shown in FIG. 5, the X-directional position detecting plate 114 islongitudinally divided into three position detecting plates 114A, 114B,114C which are connected to each other by connectors 118. The positiondetecting plate 114A is connected to the carrier control CPU 34 throughanalog switches 124.

The Y-directional position detecting plate 116 as well is longitudinallydivided in three position detecting plates 116A, 116B, 116C which areconnected to each other by connectors 120. The position detecting plates116A, 116B, 116C are connected to the carrier control CPU 34 through theanalog switches 124.

The X-directional position detecting plate 114 is in the form of adetection coil horizontally extended and is separated at positions ofparting lines. Accordingly it is necessary that a number of detectioncoils are connected to each other by the connectors without gaps at thelongitudinal parting lines in the detection region. Furthermore, it isnecessary that the connectors 118 are easily detached when theX-directional position detecting plate 114 is assembled anddisassembled.

As shown in FIG. 6, the present embodiment successfully satisfies thesenecessities. The X-directional position detecting plate 114 includes awooden plate 132, a detection coil 134, a wooden plate 136, and a glassepoxy plate 138 which are laid one on another on a base 130 in thestated order. Connection electrodes 140 are disposed on parts of theunderside of the base 130 of the respective position detecting plates114A, 114B, 114C, which (parts) are at the longitudinal parting lines.The connection electrodes 140 are connected to the ends of the separateddetection coil 134 and to the connectors 118 through wire harnesses 142.

In assembling the X-directional position detecting plate 114, as shownin FIG. 6, the connectors 118 connected to the connection electrodes ofthe divided position detecting plates 114A, 114B, 114C are connected,and the detection coil 134 horizontally extended is assembled.

In disassembling the X-directional position detecting plate 114, theconnectors 118 are only disconnected, and the position detecting plates114A, 114B, 114C are readily separated.

The Y-directional position detecting plate 116 is in the form of avertically extended detection coil which is not separated by partinglines. Accordingly the ends of the divided position detecting plates116A, 116B, 116C are simply connected to the connectors 120.

In the present embodiment, the detection coils of the X-directionalposition detecting plate 114 and the Y-directional position detectingplate 116 have a large coil pitch of 5-10 mm so that the positiondetecting plates 114, 116 generally have a short detection time.

As described above, the position detecting unit of the presentembodiment makes it possible that a large track which is difficult tomake of one sheet of position detecting plate can be easily assembledand disassembled by dividing the position detecting plate, whereby alarge track on which a number of model race horses can race at once canbe realized.

(Infrared Output Unit)

A constitution of the infrared output unit is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

In the present embodiment, the infrared output unit 42 outputs infraredsignals to output various command signals for the carriers 112. Thecarriers 112 run on a running track 150 corresponding to the track 12for the model race horses 110 to run on. It is necessary that infraredcommand signals are transmitted to the carriers 112 on the running track150 wherever the carriers 112 are located.

To this end, as shown in FIG. 7, a number of infrared emitting units 152are disposed on the inner circumference of the running track 150,directed to the running track 150. On the outer circumference of therunning track 150 a number of infrared emitting units are disposed,directed to the running track 150. The infrared emitting units 152output infrared signals.

As shown in FIG. 8, each infrared emitting unit 152 includes a pluralityof infrared emitting elements 156 disposed on a holding base 154.Infrared detecting elements 113 are disposed respectively on the frontand the rear of each carrier 112 for detecting infrared signalsoutputted by the infrared units 152.

As described above, the infrared output unit of the present embodimentcan transmit infrared command signals wherever the carriers are locatedon the running track.

(Light Emitting Turf)

A constitution of the light emitting turf will be explained withreference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

To make a horse race device interesting it is necessary to make a raceimpressive. To this end, during a race, images are displayed, backgroundmusic is outputted, and the above-described hoofbeats are sounded. Inthe present embodiment light emitting bodies are buried in the track 12on which the model race horses 110 run, and the light emitting bodiesare actuated to make the race more impressive.

As shown in FIG. 9, the light emitting law 60 is in the form of a numberof light emitting bodies 160 laid below the track 12. The light emittingbodies 160 each comprises a light emitting element, and for example, anumber of EL devices or surface light emitting LED devices are laidunder the turf 62. For control of the light emitting bodies 160 lightemitting law control units 56 are provides for each of a required numberof the laid light emitting bodies 160.

As shown in FIG. 10, a turf 162 is disposed on the uppermost surface ofthe track 12. The light emitting bodies 160 are disposed on theunderside of the turf 162. A carbon plate 164 and an electrode plate 166are disposed on the underside of the light emitting bodies 160. The turf162 is always green, and is formed of, e.g., a colored green material sothat light from the light emitting bodies 160 is transmitted through theturf 162 when the light emitting bodies 160 emit the light. In thesectional view of FIG. 10 the track 12 is emphatically shown thick.

The light emitting turf control units 56 are connected to the mainnetwork CPU 30, and when the model race horses 110 run, the lightemitting bodies 160 are caused to emit light in a pattern in which thelight flows in a direction opposite to a running direction of the modelrace horses.

Until a race is started, the light emitting turf 60 is caused to emitlight in a pattern which makes a bet time before the start of the raceamusing. For example, the light emitting turf 60 is caused to emit lightso that the track 12 has a pattern of stripes, and the stripes arecaused to flow. The light emitting turf 60 is caused to emit light sothat letters appear to be floating on the track 12 to notify players ofthe race's contents. When a trouble takes place, the light emitting turf60 is caused to emit light to notify players of the trouble. The lightemitting light turf is caused to emit light to display the countdown toa ballot time limit.

When a race is started, the light emitting turf 60 emits light based onpositions of the model race horses 110 detected by the positiondetecting unit 40. For example, parts of the light emitting turf 60 nearthe model race horses 110 are caused to emit light in a pattern in whichthe parts flow in a direction opposite to a running direction of themodel race horses, or the light emitting turf 60 is caused to emit lightso as to extend or reduced in accordance with increases and decreases ofspeed to thereby make the model race horses appear speedy.

When the race is finished, the light emitting turf 60 is caused to emitlight in a pattern designed for causing excitement and anticipationresults of the race. For example, the track 12 has a stripe pattern, andthe light emitting turf 60 is caused to emit light so as to make thestripes appear flowing, and the light emitting turf 60 is caused to emitlight so as to make letters appear to float on the track 12 to notifythe results of the race or to display decisive results of the race.

As described above, in addition to images, and sounds, such asbackground music, hoofbeats, etc., the track on which model race horsesare running is caused to emit light to thereby make races moreimpressive.

(Satellites (Part 1))

A constitution of the satellites will be explained with reference toFIGS. 11 to 13.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the satellite 22. A dome speaker 170 whichoutputs hoofbeats is disposed at the center of an upper part of thesatellite 22. As described above, the dome speaker 170 sounds hoofbeatsto make a race more impressive.

A 17-inch monitor 172 is disposed below the dome speaker 170. Atransparent touch panel is disposed on the surface of the 17-inchmonitor 172. Satellite speakers 174, 176 are disposed on the left andthe right sides of the 17-inch monitor 172.

A note slot 178 and medal slot 180 are formed below the satellitespeaker 176 on the right side of the 17-inch monitor 172. An automaticcoin charge/discharge openings 182 through which a large number ofmedals can be charged/discharged is formed below the medal slot 180. Anautomatic charge start button 184 and a payout button 186 are disposedbetween the medal slot 180 and the automatic charge/discharge opening182.

In a case that cash may be used, the note slot 178 is actuated so thatcash can be used for a bet. In a case that cash may not be used, thenote slot 178 is not actuated, and a game is played only with medals.

In a case that a game is played by using medals, medals may be chargedthrough the medal charge opening 180, or the automatic charge startbutton 184 may be pressed with medals accepted in the automaticcharge/discharge opening 182, and the automatic charge start button 184is pressed to accept a number of medals at once.

When an anticipated bet comes true, a right to an payout allotment isgenerated, and an allotted number of medals are accumulated in the horserace game device. The accumulated medals in the horse race game devicecan be used for betting.

When the game is completed, and the allotted medals are discharged, thepay out button 186 is pressed down, and the medals are discharged intothe automatic charge/discharge opening 182. The player can receive themedals through the automatic charge/discharge opening 182.

FIG. 12 shows one example of bet displays on the 17-inch monitor 172.Race information is displayed on an upper part of the monitor screen,and bet command buttons are displayed on a lower part of the monitorscreen. The player decides on a bet based on the race information on theupper part of the monitor screen. The player presses down bet commandbuttons, and confirmation sounds are outputted through the satellitespeakers 174, 176.

In real-life horse races, bettors look at horse race newspapers orobserve the condition of race horses in paddocks and fill outanticipated memos with red pencils on the horse race newspapers. In thepresent embodiment, the player traces with his finger the region of therace information on the upper part of the monitor screen, and positionsof the trace are recognized by the touch panel, and the trace isdepicted in a red line. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, entered horsesare marked with ◯,×,Δ, ?, etc., and anticipated contents for betting1-2, 1-12, 2-12, etc. are written down as memos on the monitor screen.

The memos can be written by the use of the touch panel only while raceinformation is displayed and are erased simultaneously upon the changeof the display image.

As described above, in the satellite of the present embodiment,arbitrary memos can be written down on the monitor screen, and as in anactual horse race, game players can enjoy realistic anticipation ofbetting on race horse by writing down memos.

(Satellites (Part 2))

A constitution of the satellites 22 according to another embodiment willbe explained with reference to FIG. 14.

In the above-described embodiment, information of a current race isdisplayed on the 17-inch monitor 172 of the satellite 22, and bets aremade on the race, No bet can be made during the race until the nextrace. Accordingly the time in which players can place a bet is the shortperiod of time from an advance announcement of a race to the start ofthe race, which cannot afford players sufficient time to anticipate anddiscuss a race with their friends.

In consideration of this, the present embodiment includes a satellitecontrol unit 190 which selectively displays in the satellites 22 imagescorresponding to current race information and information of races to beheld later. The satellite control unit 190 includes, e.g., four raceinformation memories 192-198. The race information memory 192 storescurrent race information, and the race information memory 194 storesnext race information. The race information memory 196 stores the nextbut one race information. The race information memory 198 stores thenext but two race information.

Each satellite 22 includes a 17-inch monitor 172 which displays raceinformation, and switch 188 which switches race information. A playeroperates the switch 188 of the satellite 22 to display images of raceinformation selected from a plurality of race information stored in therace information memories 192-198 on the 17-inch monitor 172. The playerbets on the race displayed on the 17-inch monitor 172.

Accordingly, when a player wishes to take more time to anticipate arace, he reads next but two race information stored in the raceinformation memory 196 by displaying the same on the 17-inch monitor172, and, based on the race information, anticipates and bets on therace for betting. When he wishes to take some time to anticipate a race,he reads next but one race information stored in the race informationmemory 194 by displaying the same on the 17-inch monitor 172, and, basedon the race information, anticipates and bet on the race. When he wishesto bet on a current race to get an allotment, he reads the current raceinformation by displaying the same on the 17-inch monitor 172, and,based on the same, he anticipates and bets on the race.

As described above, the satellite according to the present embodimentpermits a player to display race information as he wants and to bet onthe race. This allows him to take sufficient time to anticipate the raceor to discuss the race with his friends. Nevertheless more time is notnecessary between races and operation efficiency of the horse race gamedevice is not reduced.

(Start Gate)

A constitution of the start gate will be explained with reference toFIGS. 15 and 16.

The start gate of the present embodiment opens at the start of a race,as does a start gate for actual horse races.

As shown in FIG. 15, the start gate 200 includes twelve gates 202 fortwelve model race horses to start from. On the tops of the gates 202there is disposed a gate dot matrix 54 which displays entry horsenumbers, horse names, etc. The gate dot matrix 54 includes 4 sheets of16×32 dot matrix LEDs arranged horizontally.

As shown in FIG. 16, each gate 202 includes a gate frame 204. The gateframe 202 includes an upper gate door 206 and a lower gate door 208. Arotary shaft 210 for opening the gates is disposed near the tops of thegate frames 204. Gate opening rods 212 for pushing the gate doors 206are projected from the rotary shaft 210.

When the rotary shaft 210 is rotated to the foreground in FIG. 16, thegate opening rods 212 push the upper gate doors 206. Then the upper andthe lower gate doors 206, 208 are rotated on the gate frame 204, and thegates 202 are opened.

A shown in FIG. 15, a gate mechanism 72 includes a vertical operationmotor 211 which vertically moves the entire start gate 200, and a swingmotion motor 213 which rotates the entire start gate 200, and a gateopening/closing motor 214 which opens and closes the gates 202.

The start gate 200 is originally located in a paddock 20 in the track12. When a race is started, the entire start gate 200 is lifted by thevertical motion motor 211, and then the entire start gate 200 is rotatedto a set position by the swing motion motor 213, and next, the entirestart gate 200 is lowered to the track 12 by the vertical motion motor211.

Entered model race horses 110 are directed to the start gate 200, entertheir associated gates 202 and then stop. At this time, it is possibleto imagine that model race horses 110 are caused to go back in front ofthe associated gates 202 so that they appear to reject entering thegates, as horses sometimes do in real-life.

When twelve race horses enter the gates 202, the rotary shaft 210 isrotated to the foreground by the gate opening/closing motor 214 torotate the gate doors 206, 208 on the gate frame 204 by the gate openingrods 212, and the gates 202 are opened. When the gates 202 are opened,the model race horses 110 start running at once to start a race.

When the race is started, the rotary shaft 210 is returned to itsoriginal position, and after the gates 202 are closed, the start gate200 is returned to its original position in the paddock by the verticalmotion motor 211 and the swing motion motor 213.

As described above, the start gate of the present embodiment opens thegate at the start of a race, as in actual horse race, which makes thehorse race realistic.

(Truck and Carrier of Model Race Horse)

A truck and a carrier of a model race horse will be explained withreference to FIGS. 17 to 19. FIG. 17 is a structural view of the truckand the carrier of a model race horse. FIG. 18A is a bottom view of thetruck of a model race horse, FIG. 18B is a plan view of the carrier,FIG. 18C is a sectional view of the carrier near the center of thecarrier, and FIG. 19 is a block diagram of the carrier.

A model race horse 110 mounting a model jockey runs on the track 12, butas shown in FIG. 17, the model race horse 110 is supported on the truck220. The truck 220 is mounted on the track 12, capably of running, by afront and a rear wheels 222, 223 which can smoothly change a runningdirection and a pair of wheels 224 journalled on both sides of the track12.

The truck 220 includes two rotary magnets 226, 228 which are arranged inthe front-to-rear direction, a little spaced from the upper surface ofthe track 12. As shown in FIG. 18A, the rotary magnets 226, 228 have aring shape, include four magnet pieces arranged on the circumferencewith their polarities alternately being opposite, and are rotatablypivoted on the truck 220. A magnet 229 for judging the direction of thetruck 220 is disposed on a forward part of the truck 220.

As shown in FIG. 17, the running track 150 is disposed below the track12 with a space therebetween. Carriers 112 which pull the trucks 220 ofthe model race horses 110 on the track 12 are disposed on the runningtrack 150 capably of running. One carrier 112 is disposed for each ofthe twelve model race horses 110.

A carrier body 230 is mounted on the running track 150, capably ofrunning, by a front and a rear wheels 232, 233 and a pair of wheels 234journalled on both sides of the carrier body 230. The wheels 234 of onepair on both sides are connected respectively running motors 236 for onepair. When the pair of running motors 238 are rotated at the same speed,the carrier body 230 is driven forward, and when the running motors 238are rotated at different speeds, the carrier body 230 is turned left orright so as to change the running direction.

It is possible that a common running motor 236 is provided for thewheels 234, and steering motors for changing the running direction areprovided for the front and the rear wheel 232, 233.

Above the carrier body 230 there is provided a support base 238 urgedupward by springs 240. Front and rear wheels 242, 243 are disposed onthe upper surface of the support base 238, and a pair of wheels 244 arejournalled on both sides of the support base 238, whereby the supportbase 238 is capable of running on the backside of the track 12. Thus thecarriers 112 can freely run, kept upright between the track 12 and therunning track 150 and in a space between both tracks 12, 150 by thewheels 232, 233, 234 disposed on the backside thereof and the wheels242, 243, 244 disposed on the upper surface thereof.

As shown in FIG. 18B, rotary magnets 246, 248 are disposed, a littlespaced from the back side of the track 12 at respectively correspondingpositions to the rotary magnets 226, 228 of the truck 220 on the track12. The rotary magnets 246, 248 have the same constitution as the rotarymagnets 226, 228 of the truck 220.

The rotary magnets 226, 228 are rotated by magnet rotating motors 250,252. The magnet rotating motors 250, 252 each include rotors (not shown)formed in one piece with the rotary magnets 226. 228, and motor coils(not shown) formed horizontally on a flexible base plate.

As shown in FIG. 18B, hall devices 254 are provided at positionscorresponding to the magnets 229 of the truck 220 on the track 12. Themagnets 229 on the truck 220 are detected by the hall devices 254 tothereby judge whether or not the truck 220 and the carriers 112 arecorrectly oriented.

A brush 256 is disposed on a forward part of the base 238 of the carrier112, and a collector 258 is disposed on a rear part of the base 238. Thebrush 256 cleans a feeder (not shown) on the underside of the track 12,and the collector 258 supplies electric power to the carrier 12 throughthe feeder.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18C, infrared detectors 260 are disposed on thefront and the rear of the carrier body 120 of the carriers 112, and thecarriers 112 are controlled in response to infrared signals Detected bythe infrared detectors 260.

As shown in FIG. 17, infrared emitters 262 are disposed on the rear ofthe carrier body 230 of the carriers 112 and output diagnostic resultsof the carriers 112 as infrared signals.

As shown in FIG. 17, oscillation coils 264 are disposed on the carrierbody 230 of the carriers 112, a little spaced from the upper surface ofthe running track 150. Positions of the carriers 112 are detected basedon oscillation signals from the oscillation coils 264.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a control system for controlling thecarriers 112.

Each carrier 112 includes a carrier CPU 266. The carrier CPU 226 isconnected to the above-described running motor 236, the magnet rotatingmotors 250, 252, the hall devices 254, the infrared detectors 260, theinfrared emitter 262 and the oscillation coils 264.

The carrier CPU 266 controls the oscillation coils 264 so that theoscillation coils 264 output oscillation signals at a prescribedinterval. The position detecting unit 40 detects positions of thecarriers, based on the oscillation signals.

The infrared detectors 260 detect infrared signals outputted by theinfrared output unit 42 to transmit control signals to the carrier 112.The carrier CPU 266 controls the drive of the running motor 236, and themagnet rotating motors 250, 252, based on the infrared signals.

The carrier CPU 266 controls the running motor 236 to run along a presetcourse while detecting a current position of the carrier 112 by theposition detecting unit 40, based on oscillation signals from theoscillation coil 264. The carrier CPU 266 always detects based on outputsignals from the hall devices 254 whether or not the truck 220 of themodel race horse has been positionally deflected from the carrier 112.

The carrier CPU 266 controls the rotation of the magnet rotating motors250, 252, based on infrared signals form the infrared output unit 42independently of each other and independently of the drive of therunning motor 236.

When the rotary magnets 246, 248 of the carrier 112 are rotated by themagnet rotating motors 250, 252, the rotary magnets 226, 228 of thetruck 220 of the model race horse 110 on the truck 12 are rotatedrespectively in synchronization with each other.

The model race horse 110 is supported by a support member 270 extendedfrom the truck 220. A first drive shaft 272 is disposed at the center ofthe support member 270, and a second drive shaft 274 surrounds the firstdrive shaft 172. The first and the second drive shafts 272, 274 arerotatable independently of each other.

When the magnet 226 on the forward part of the truck 220 is rotated, thefirst drive shaft 272 is rotated, and when the rotary magnet 228 on therear part of the truck 220 is rotated, the second drive shaft 274 isrotated. When the first drive shaft 272 is rotated, the forelegs and thehindlegs of the model horse swing, and the arms and legs of the modeljockey on the mode race horse 110 swing when the second drive shaft 272is rotated.

When the rotary magnets 246, 248 of the carrier 112 are rotated, therotary magnets 226, 228 of the truck 220 are rotated respectively insynchronization with each other. Accordingly the rotary magnet 246 ofthe carrier 112 is rotated to thereby control swing of the forelegs andhindlegs of the model race horse, and the motions of the arms and legsof the model jockey on the model race horse 110 can be controlled bycontrolling the rotation of the rotary magnet 248 of the carrier 112.

Whether or not the rotary magnets 246, 248 of the carrier 112 arerotated, the truck 220 is pulled by attractive forces between the rotarymagnets 226, 246 and between the rotary magnets 228, 248 to thereby runon the same course as the carrier 112. When the truck 220 is deflectedfrom the carrier 112, the carrier CPU 266 of the carrier 112 detects thedeflection, based on outputs from the hall devices 254.

In the present embodiment, the carrier CPU 266 is mounted on the carrier112. This enables the following processing which has been conventionallyimpossible.

First, by mounting the carrier CPU 266 on each carrier 112, each carrier112 can judge its states by itself. For example, the carrier 112, whichincludes the running motor 236 and the magnet rotating motors 250, 252mounted on, can judge operational states of the motors by itself withits own carrier CPU 266. Results of the self-diagnoses are outputted asinfrared signals from the infrared emitting unit 262.

In the present embodiment, the infrared detecting unit 44 is disposednear the start point, and when the carriers 112 are gathered at thestart point, the infrared output unit 42 outputs to the carriers 112 acommand signal which command the carriers 112 to output results of thediagnoses. The carrier CPU 266 makes the diagnoses and output theresults of the diagnoses from the infrared emitting unit 262 as infraredsignals. The infrared detecting unit 44 detects the infrared signalsoutputted by the carrier and obtains the results of the diagnoses.

The carrier CPU 266 mounted on each carrier 112 can control the pulsewidth modulation (PWM) Of the motors. The carrier CPU 266 controls thePWM of the running motor 236, and the magnet rotating motors 250, 252.The PWM control can control the rotation numbers of the motors, whichpermits subtle motions of the carrier 112 and subtle motions of themodel race horse 110. In addition, the motor can have smaller electricpower consumption and reduced heat output.

The carrier CPU 266, which is mounted on each carrier 112, makes it easyto control the rotation directions of the motors. The carrier CPU 266reverses the rotation direction of the running motor 236 to thereby makethe carrier 112, i.e., the model race horse 110, reverse its direction.The model race horse 110 is reversed so that the horse 110 appears to behesitating upon entering the gate or appears to fail to make a uniformstart, or is reversed for maintenance.

(Model Race Horse and Model Jockey)

Constitutions of a model race horse and a model jockey will be detailedwith reference to FIGS. 20 to 25.

The model race horse 110 has a body 300 supported on the truck 220 bythe support member 270. As shown in FIG. 17, the support member 270includes a first drive shaft 272 and a second drive shaft 274. Thesecond drive shaft 274 is rotated in the same direction as the rotarymagnet 228 by a transmission mechanism disposed in the truck 220 whenthe rotary magnet 228 is rotated.

A constitution of the model race horse 110 will be explained withreference to FIGS. 20 and 21.

As shown in FIG. 20 forelegs 302 and hindlegs 304 are swingably providedon the body 300 of the model race horse. Each foreleg 302 has a thigh306, a leg 308 and a foot 310. The thigh 306 is pivoted to the body by apivot pin 312. The leg 308 is pivoted to the thigh 306 by a pivot pin314. The foot 310 is pivoted to the leg 308 by a pivot pin 316. Thethigh 306 and the foot are interconnected by an interconnection rod.

Each hindleg 304 has a thigh 320, a leg 322 and a foot 324. The thigh320 is pivoted to the body 200 by a pivot pin 326. The thigh 320 and theleg 322 are pivoted to each other by a pivot pin 328. The thigh 322 andthe foot 324 are formed in one-piece. The thigh 300 and the leg 322 areinterconnected to each other by an interconnection rod 330.

The forelegs 302 and the hindlegs 304 are swung by the first drive shaft272. The first drive shaft 272 is extended into the body 300, and a wormgear 332 is disposed on the upper end of the first drive shaft 272. Theworm 32 is in mesh with the worm wheel 334, and the worm wheel 334 and awheel 336 which is coaxial with the worm wheel 334 are in mesh with awheel 338. The pin 338 a of the wheel 338 is extended sidewise, and adisc member 340 is fastened conically to the forward end of the pin 338a.

As shown in FIG. 21, a short cylindrical hub 342 is disposed at aneccentric position of the surface of the disc member 340. A circularopening 345 formed in one end of the interconnection rod 344 isrotatably engaged with the hub 342. The interconnection rod 344 isextended backward from the hub 342 and has the rear end pivotallyconnected to an upper part of the thigh 320 of the rear leg 304.

Thus, when the disc member 340 is rotated on the axial line of the shaft338 a, the interconnection rod 344 is reciprocated, vertically swinging,and the thigh 320 of the hindleg 304 is swung to-and-fro on the pivotpin.

An engagement pin 346 is projected from a peripheral part of thebackside of the disc member 340. A slot 306 a is formed in a part of thethigh 306 of the foreleg 302 on the side of the body 300. The engagementpin 346 of the disc member 340 is engaged in the slot 306 a. A pin pressplate 348 for pressing the engagement pin 346 engaged in the slot 306 ais pivoted to the thigh 320. The substantial center of the pin pressplate 348 is interconnected to the end of the thigh 320 by a spring 349and to the end of the leg 308 by a connection rod 347.

Accordingly, when the disc member 340 is rotated on the axial line ofthe shaft 338 a, the thigh 320 is swung on the engagement pin 346 in theslot 306 a, and the leg 308 and the foot 310 are swung to-and-fro by theconnection rod 347.

A positional relationship between the hub of the disc member 340 and theengagement pin 346, and a positional relationship between the foreleg302 and the hindleg 304 are set so as to make the swinging motionssimulate the running motions of actual horse legs.

Then, a constitution of a model jockey 350 will be explained withreference to FIGS. 22 to 25. FIGS. 22 to 25 show views of the oppositeside of the model jockey 350 as shown in FIGS. 17 and 20.

The model jockey 350 is driven by the second drive shaft 274. The wormgear 352 disposed on the second drive shaft 274 is in mesh with the wormwheel 354, and the drive wheel 356 which is coaxial with the worm wheel354 is in mesh with a driven wheel 360 through an intermediate wheel358. As shown in FIG. 23, the driven wheel 360 is rotatably pivoted on apin 364 which is integral with the disc member 362. The disc member 362is rotatably pivoted to the body 300 of the model race horse 110. Twopins 363 a, 363 b are projected from the side of the disc member 362opposite to the driven wheel 360 at diametrically opposed peripheralpositions.

A friction piece 366 is disposed between the driven wheel 360 and thedisc member 362. The driven wheel 360 is urged to the side of the discmember 362 through a washer 370 by a screw 368 screw-engaged with thepin 364.

Accordingly rotations of the driven wheel 360 are transmitted to thedisc member 362 through frictional forces of the friction piece 366.When the resistance of the disc member 362 is larger than the frictionalforce of the friction member 366, the driven wheel 360 idles.

An arm 372 of the model jockey 350 has the proximal end thereofswingably pivoted to the shoulder of the model jockey 374 by a pivot pin376. A pin 377 is projected from the proximal end at the outer peripheryof the pivot pin 376. A lever member 380 has a lower end portion pivotedby a pivot pin 378 to a middle part of the body 374 below the pivot pin376. On the upper end of the lever member 380 there is provided anengagement surface 382 which engages with the pin 377.

The upper end of a rod member 384 is swingably engaged to the levermember 380 at a position which is nearer to the pivot pin 376 at themiddle of the lever member 380. The rod member 384 is extended to thevicinity of the disc member 362 below.

The rod member 384 has the lower end pivoted to a forward end of a levermember 388 having the rearward end pivoted to the body 300 by a pivotpin 386 which is coaxial with the thigh 320 of the hindleg 304.

FIG. 24 is broken perspective view of the opposite sides of the levermember 380, the rod member 384 and the lever member 388 shown in FIG.22. As seen in FIGS. 22 and 24, a large radius of curvature arc-shapedupward cam surface 390 is formed in a step on the surface of the levermember 388 on the side of the disc member 362. A downward recess 392 isformed in the underside of the cam surface 390. The recess 392 is in theshape of a small radius of curvature arc.

FIG. 22 shows a state of the model jockey 350 swinging up a whip 351. Inthis state, a hand 372 tends to rotate counter-clockwise on the pivotpin 376 due to its own weight. This rotation force is transmitted to thelever member 388 through the engagement of the pin 377 and theengagement surface 382 and further to the lever member 388 from thelever member 38 through the rod member 384. Accordingly the lever member388 is urged so as to swing upward on the pivot pin 386 of the levermember 388. The upward swing of the lever member 388, however, isprohibited by engagement of the pin 363 a with the cam surface 390, andthe hand is held at the upper position as shown.

At this time, the disc member 362 has been rotated counter-clockwise asindicated by the arrow (a), and immediately after the shown state, thepin 363 a is disengaged from the cam surface 390. Then the lever member388 is free to swing, and the hand 372 is swung downward on the pivotpin 386 by its own weight, simulating a whipping motion. Simultaneouslytherewith, the lever member 388 is swung upward, and then at its upperposition the pin 363 b is brought into engagement with the cam surface390. Thereafter, as the disc member 362 is rotated, the lever member 388is pushed downward. Accordingly the hand 372 is swung upward on thepivot pin 386, and again the whip is swung up as shown in FIG. 22.

The same operation is repeated. That is, by continuously rotating thedisc member 362 in the direction of the arrow (a), the hand 372 repeatsthe upward and the downward motions, which simulate whipping motions.

By rotating the second drive shaft 274 in an opposite direction, asshown in FIG. 25, the model jockey 350 is caused to rise on a model racehorse 110.

In this case, the disc member 362 is rotated in the direction of thearrow (b) which is opposite to the direction of rotation for thewhipping. Either of the pins 363 a, 363 b is brought into engagementinto the recess 392 from below which is positioned downward of the camsurface 390, and the lever member 388 i is swung further upward than inthe whipping motion. Consequently, the pivot pin 386 is pushed furtherupward through the rod member 384 and the lever member 380, and themodel jockey 350 rises as shown in FIG. 25.

The body 374 and the leg 392 of the model jockey 350 are swingablyconnected by a pivot 394, and a lower end portion of the leg 374 isswingably connected to the body 300 of the model race horse 350 by apivot 396.

In the sates shown in FIG. 25, the pins 363 a, 363 b are in engagementin the small of radius curvature recess 392, and accordingly the levermember 388 cannot be pushed up to be swung further in the direction ofthe arrow (b). That is, the rotation of the disc member 362 isprohibited, but the disc member 362 and the driven wheel 360, which arein engagement with each other through the friction member 366 asdescribed above, slide with respect each other, which permits the drivenwheel 360 to continuously rotate. Accordingly, the model jockey 350 canretain its rising posture as shown.

When the second drive shaft 274 is rotated in an opposite direction torotate the driven wheel 360 and the disc member 362 again in thedirection of the arrow (a), the pins 363 a, 363 b are disengaged fromthe recess 392 and are brought into engagement with the upper camsurface 390 and are returned to their original state of FIG. 22.

As described above, in the model race horse and the model jockey of thepresent embodiment, one of the rotary magnets is rotated, whereby themodel race horse repeats opening and closing the legs to simulaterunning of an actual race horse, and the model jockey simulates motionsof an actual jockey corresponding to the opening and closing of the legsof the model race horse. The other of the rotary magnets is rotated,whereby the model jockey can simulate the whipping motions and thewinning pose.

(Second Embodiment)

The horse race game device according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 26 to 33.The same or similar members of the present embodiment as or to those ofthe horse race game device according the first embodiment arerepresented by the same reference numbers not to repeat or to simplifytheir explanation.

(General Appearance of the Horse Race Game Device)

FIG. 26 shows a general appearance of the horse race game device.

A loop track 12 for horse races is disposed at the center of a horserace game device 10. Six model race horses 14 run along the track 12. Agate (not shown) is disposed in the track 12, and is advanced to a startposition when a race is started.

Ten satellites 22 are disposed around the track 12. Five of the tensatellites 22 are disposed on each of the longer sides of the track 12.

On one of the shorter sides of the track 12 there is disposed a largeprojector 24 for displaying images of situations of a race. On both sideof the large projector 24 there are disposed speakers (not shown) forreal time broadcasting, fanfare, BGM, etc.

Above the track 12 there is disposed a track lighting unit 400 forlighting the track 12 and the model race horses 14. The track lightingunit 400 has a shape of the track and is supported by support rods 401erected on the four corners of the track 12.

(General Structure of the Horse Race Game Device)

FIG. 27 shows a general structure of the horse race game device.

In place of the lighting lawn 60, the light lawn driver 58, the lightinglawn control unit 56, the track lighting unit 400 for illuminating thetrack 12 and the model race horses 14 and a track lighting control unit402 for controlling the track lighting unit 400 are provided. The reststructure of the present embodiment is the game ag the structure of thefirst embodiment.

The track lighting control unit 402 is connected to a main network CPU30. The track lighting unit 400 lights the track 12 to produce alighting effect of making the track 12 outstanding, or traces a leadingmodel race horse 14 by light for lighting effect.

(Track Lighting Unit (Part 1)

FIG. 28 shows a structure of the track lighting unit 400 of the horserace game device 10.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28A, the track lighting unit400 is above the track 12. A number of lamps 404 are arranged in a shapeof the track. The respective lamps 404 are directed so as to lightrespective parts of the track 12, and when the lamps 404 aresequentially turned on, a spot light goes around the track 12.

A number of lamps 404 may be lamps of lighting colors suitably arranged.As exemplified in FIG. 28B, a white lamp 404 a, a red lamp 404 b and ablue lamp 404 c are sequentially arranged, and when a number of lamps404 are sequentially turned on, a lighting spot circulates along thetrack 12 in the sequential colors. When a number of lamps are turned onin accordance with proceedings of a horse race game, a lighting spottraces a leading model race horse of the horse race game.

A number of lamps 404 may be provided by a plurality of sets each ofthree light primary colors, a red lamp, a green lamp and a blue lamp. Inthis case, the lamps 404 are controlled to be turned on by one set ofthree lamps of the light three primary colors. By controlling turning onthe sets of the three lamps, lighting of a required color tone can beobtained.

One example of the lighting control by the track lighting unit 400 willbe explained.

Until a game race is started, the lighting is controlled to effectivelyinduce game players to participate in the game race and make theatmosphere for a betting time. For example, the lawn-colored track 12 isilluminated light, or the lighting is controlled to circulate a spotlight. The track 12 may be made white to turn to a required color bylighting by the track lighting unit 400. For example, colors can befreely changed to a bright lawn color, brown of the gate or others,depending on race situations.

When the model race horses 14 are gathered near the gate to start therace, the track lighting unit 400 lights concentratedly a neighborhoodof the gate.

When the game race is started, the track lighting control unit 400 turnson the lamp 404 corresponding to a position of a currently leading modelrace horse detected by the position detecting unit 40 to spot theleading model race horse.

When the game race is finished, lighting is controlled to effectexcitation about a result of the game race. For example, the entiretrack 12 is flashed, or a slight spot goes around. When a winning modelrace horse 14 makes a winning run around the track 12, the tracklighting unit 400 spotlights, tracing the model race horse on thewinning run.

Thus, the track lighting unit of the present embodiment can light thetotal track for the model race horses to run along, spotlight a runningmodel race horse in addition to images, and sounds and voices, as ofBGM, hoofbeats, etc., whereby the race can be further impressive.

(Track Lighting Unit (Part 2))

FIG. 29 shows another example of the track lighting unit 400 of thehorse race game device 10.

The present example, a track lighting arm 140 comprises a plurality offibers. As shown in FIG. 29, the track lighting arm 410 is extendedabove the track 12 from a corner. The forward end of the track lightingarm 410 is freely driven by drive means (not shown) to freely changelighting directions.

A lamp 412 is disposed on the other end of the track lighting arm 410. Acircular filter 414 is disposed between the track lighting arm 410 andthe lamp 412. The filter 414 is rotated by a motor 416. Light of thelamp 412 is incident on the other end of the track lighting arm 410through the filter 414. The filter 414 is rotated by the motor 416 tochange intensities and color tones of light to be illuminated to thetrack 12.

One example of control of the lighting of the track lighting unit 400will be explained.

Until a game race is started, lighting is conducted to effect inducingplayers to participate in the game race and a betting time before thegame race is started. For example, forward end of the track lighting arm410 is swivelled to light so that a spot light circulates along thetrack.

When the game race is started, the track lighting control unit 402 movesthe forward end of the track lighting arm 410, based on a position of acurrent leading game race 14 detected by a position detecting unit 40,and spotlights the leading race horse.

When the game race is finished, the lighting is conducted to effectexcitation about a race result. For example, the forward end of theetrack lighting arm 410 is swivelled with the filter 414 being rotated tochange colors so as to circulate a spot light with colors of the track12 being changed. When a winning model race horse makes a winning runalong the track 12, the track lighting arm 400 traces the model racehorse on the winning run, spotlighting the same.

Thus, the track lighting unit of the present embodiment can spotlights arunning model race horse in addition to images, and sounds and voices,as of BGM, hoofbeats, etc., whereby the race can be further impressive.

(Track Lighting Unit (Part 3))

FIG. 30 shows further another example of the track lighting unit of thehorse race game device 10.

In the present example, a fiber 420 and a fiber 424 which horizontallyemit light are provided respectively along the outer circumference andthe inner circumference of the track 12. Light sources 422 are providedon the ends of the fiber 420, and light sources 426 are provided on theends of the fiber 424.

Light from the light sources 422, 426 are emitted at a side thereof tolight the track 12. The light sources 422, 426 are controlled by thetrack lighting control unit 402. Intensities and color tones of thelight sources 422, 426 are changed to change intensities and color tonesof the illuminating light.

According to the present example of the track lighting unit, color tonesof the track can be freely changed corresponding to proceedings of arace of the horse race game in addition to images, and sounds andvoices, such as BGM, hoofbeats,etc., whereby the race can be impressive.

The present example of the track lighting unit may be singly used or maybe more effectively used together with the example of the track lightingunit (Part 1) and that of the track lighting unit (Part 2).

(Satellites)

The satellites 22 of the competing game device 10 according to thepresent embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 31 to 33.FIG. 31 is a view of a layout of the satellites 22 of the competing gamedevice 10. FIG. 32 is a view of an interior structure of the satellites22 of the competing game device 10. FIG. 32 is a view of an interiorstructure of the satellites 22. FIG. 33 is views of a structure of thefront panel of each satellite 22.

The competing game device 10 according to the present embodimentincludes, as shown in FIG. 31, a main control board 500 disposed belowone shorter side of the track 12. Control circuits, etc. shown in FIG.27 are mounted on the main control board 500.

Five satellites 22 are disposed on each longer side of the track 12.Direct current electric power sources 502 for the respective sets offive satellites are disposed respectively below the longer sides of thetrack 12. Each direct current electric source 502 supplies directcurrent to the five satellites 22. Although not shown, alternate currentreceptacles for the respective satellites 22 are disposed near thedirect current electric sources 502.

FIG. 32 shows an interior structure of the satellites 22. A satelliteboard 510 is a circuit board with a control circuit, etc. for generallycontrolling the associated satellite 22 mounted on. The satellite board510 is connected to a monitor 512 for displaying images, a touch panel514 disposed on the surface of a monitor 512 for inputting a command ofa game player, a metal hopper 516 for supplying medals, and a speaker518 for outputting sounds and voices.

The satellites 22 require alternate electric power and direct electricpower. The alternate current is supplied by a alternate currentconnector 520. The alternate current connector 420 is connected to themonitor 612 through an alternate current source switch 522. Thealternate current connector 520 is connected to an outside alternatecurrent receptacle.

The direct current is supplied by a direct current connector 530. Thedirect current connector 520 is connected to the satellite board 510trough a direct current source switch 532 and a circuit protector 534.The direct current connector 530 is connected to an outside directcurrent source 502.

The alternate current source switch 522 and the direct current sourceswitch 532 are operated by a maintenance service man and are located ata position in the associated satellite booth which does not allow a gameplayer to operate the switches.

The alternate current source switch 522 and the direct current sourceswitch 532 are normally on. When the main electric power source switchof the competing game device is turned on, electric power is supplied tothe respective satellites 22. Alternate current power is supplied to themonitors 512, and direct current power is supplied to the satelliteboards 510.

When the electric power source for the satellites 22 is turned off, thealternate current power can be shut down by simply turning off thealternate current source switch 522. However, it is impossible toimmediately shut down the direct current by turning off the directcurrent source switch 532 because processing, e.g. reservingenvironmental settings, data stand-by, etc., for shut-down of the sourcepower must be conducted in the satellite boards 510.

To this end, in the present embodiment, a door switch 536 interlockedwith opening/closure of the door (not shown) of the associated satellite22 is disposed on the associated satellite board 510. Accordingly thealternate current source switch 522 and the direct current source switch522 are inaccessible without opening the door (not shown) of thesatellite 22, so that the door switch 536 is turned off before thealternate current source switch 522 and the direct current source switch532 are turned off.

In the present embodiment, this is made use of so that when the door isopened, and the door switch 536 is turned off, the satellite board 510conducts the electric power source shutting-down processing.Accordingly, the subsequent turn-off of the direct current source switch532 makes no problem, and a state before the shut-down of the electricpower source can be restored when actuated again. Even in a case of amalfunction, a state of the malfunction can be accurately seen.

In place of the door switch 536, a delay switch may be used for turningoff the direct current source switch 522 after a prescribed period oftime. Otherwise, it is possible that a large-capacity condenser isconnected to the wire for supplying the direct current to thereby delaythe substantial shut-down of the source power.

In each satellite 22 of the present embodiment, the circuit protector534 is disposed between the direct current source switch 532 and thesatellite board 510. This is to the end of preventing break-down of thesatellite boards 520 of the satellites, which commonly use the directcurrent source 502, due to excessive current from one of the satellite22 in trouble.

FIG. 33 shows a structure of the front panel 550 of each satellite 22. Amedal outlet 554 is formed in the front panel 550 of the satellite 22. Adischarge opening 554 of a medal hopper 516 is formed in the top of themedal outlet 551. A cup receiver 552 for a medal cup 556 to be mountedon is formed on the bottom of the medal outlet 551.

A game player places his medal cup 556 on the cup receiver 552 to takeout a medal out of the medal cup 556 as required. A medal fed throughthe medal hopper 516 are automatically received in the medal cup 556,which facilitate administration of the medals.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in place ofproviding an electric power source for each satellite, one electricpower source is commonly provided for a plurality of satellites, whichcontributes to installation space saving, and accordingly cost saving.According to the present embodiment, the door switch is provided tostart the shut-down of the source power by turning off the door switch,whereby, at the time of the shut-down of the source power, environmentalsettings can be reserved, and stand-by of data, etc. are enabled, sothat when reactuated, a state before the shut-down of the source powercan be restored. The medal cup is provided in the medal outlet in thefront panel, whereby the medal cup, which is not used while playing agame race, can be put aside, and payed-out medals can be automaticallyreceived.

In the present embodiment, the satellites are used in a competing gamedevice, but may be applied to game devices other than competing gamedevices, such as those for games played by a plurality of game players,such as bingo, blackjack games, etc.

(Modification)

The present invention is not limited to the above- described embodimentand covers various modifications. For example, in the above-describedembodiment, the present invention is applied to a horse race game butmay be applied to various other race games, such as car races,auto-races, boat races, etc. The present invention is applicable to gamedevices for games played by a plurality of game players, such as bingo,blackjack game, etc.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is suitable for a race game device for playing agame by anticipating the winning places of moving objects, such as modelhorses, model cars or others, which are to be run on a track in a modelhorse race, model boat race, model car race, an auto race or others.

What is claimed is:
 1. A race game device for racing moving objects on atrack, comprising: a plurality of sound generating means disposed onpreset positions along said track; and a sound generation control meansfor electrically generating simulated sounds of the moving objects fromthe plurality of sound generating means, wherein each of said movingobjects has a position on said track, a sound volume of said simulatedsounds from each said sound generating means is based on the presetpositions of the sound generating means in relation to a direction ofmovement of each of the moving objects and the position of each of themoving objects on said track, said sound volume from each soundgenerating means being adjusted to compensate for changes in thedirection of movement of each of the moving objects and the position ofeach moving object on said track, wherein the position of each of themoving objects on said track are respectively detected and the simulatedsounds of the moving objects are respectively made based on therespective position of each of the moving objects on said track.
 2. Arace game device for racing moving objects on a running course,comprising: a running course having an inner circumference and an outercircumference; a plurality of first photo signal generating meansdisposed at preset positions both on the inner circumference and theouter circumference of said running course, said plurality of firstphoto signal generating means outputting first photo signals to themoving objects, said first photo signals being transmissions of commandsdirecting the movement of said moving objects; a plurality of firstphoto signal detecting means disposed at preset positions along saidrunning course; and a second photo signal detecting means and a secondphoto signal generating means on attached to each said moving object,said second photo signal generating means outputting second photosignals to said plurality of first photo signal detecting means, saidsecond photo signals being transmissions of diagnostic information aboutsaid moving objects; wherein said first photo signals are detectable bysaid second photo signal detecting means and said second photo signalsare detectable by said first photo signal detecting means.
 3. A racegame device for racing moving objects along a field, comprising: a lightemitting means for outputting light from an upper surface or a side ofthe field, the light emitting means outputting light, said lightcorresponding to the racing movements of the moving objects on thefield, wherein a current position of each of the moving objects isdetected and the light emitting means is controlled based upon thecurrent position of each of the moving objects so as to emit lightcorresponding to the racing movements of the moving objects.
 4. A racegame device for racing running objects on a field, comprising: a startgate, at which a plurality of the running objects can be aligned tobegin a race, said start gate comprising a plurality of gates, which mayopen and close, said gates at which the running objects are alignedbeing opened when a race is started, wherein prior to the start of arace said start gate is located off a running course on which saidrunning objects race and when a race is to be started the start gate ismoved to a starting position on the running course.
 5. A The race gamedevice of claim 2, further comprising: moving objects, furthercomprising: motors for moving said moving objects, and self diagnosingmeans for diagnosing states of the motors.
 6. The race game device ofclaim 5, wherein said motors for moving said running objects have adrive control means for controlling the drive of the motors so as tomove said running objects forward and backward.
 7. The race game deviceof claim 5, further comprising drive control means for controlling themotors of said moving objects by pulse width modulation.
 8. A race gamedevice for racing moving objects on a field, comprising: a lightirradiating means for irradiating light to the field from above thefield; and a light irradiation control means for controlling thedirection of said light irradiated by the light irradiating means inaccordance with a running state of said moving objects, wherein acurrent position of each of the moving objects is detected and the lightirradiating means is controlled by said light irradiation control meansbased on the current position of each of the moving objects to irradiatelight so as to chase the moving objects.
 9. A race game device accordingto claim 8, wherein the light irradiating means spotlights said movingobjects; and the light irradiation control means controls directions ofirradiation of the light irradiating means so as to trace the movementsof said moving objects.
 10. A game device in which a plurality of gameplayers participate to play, comprising: a plurality of operation unitsoperated by said plurality of game players, said operation units havingenvironmental settings when being operated; and an electric power sourceunit for supplying direct current and alternate current power to said aplurality of operation units, each of the operation units including: analternate current power source switch for turning on and off alternatecurrent power from the electric power source unit; a direct currentpower source switch for turning on and off direct current power from theelectric power source unit; a door switch interlocked withopening/closure of a door, said door being a part of said operationunit, wherein said door provides access to said alternate current powerswitch and said direct current power switch; and means for breaking theelectric source power and preserving the environmental settings of saidoperation unit, based on a state of the door switch.
 11. The race gamedevice of claim 4, wherein said start gate further comprises analterable visual display means associated with each of said plurality ofgates, said alterable visual display means generating an output signaland thereby transmitting information to a player of said race game. 12.The game device of claim 10, wherein said plurality of operation unitseach comprise a circuit board, and operation of said door switchinitiates shut-down of power to said circuit board.
 13. A race gamedevice for racing moving objects on a field, comprising: moving objects,each of said moving objects having a position on a running course andcomprising: a motor for moving said moving object, a self diagnosingmeans for outputting as diagnoses states of the motor, and first photosignal generating means for outputting as first photo signals results ofthe diagnoses made by the self diagnosing means; a first photo signaldetecting means attached to each said moving object; a plurality ofsecond photo signal generating means disposed at preset positions alongsaid running course, said plurality of second photo signal generatingmeans outputting second photo signals to the moving objects, said secondphoto signals being transmissions of commands directing the movement ofsaid moving objects; a plurality of second photo signal detecting meansdisposed at preset positions along said running course, wherein saidfirst photo signals are detectable by said second photo signal detectingmeans and said second photo signals are detectable by said first photosignal detecting means; a position detecting means disposed on therunning course for detecting positions of the moving objects, theposition detecting means comprising detection coils and being separatedinto a plurality of members along preset parting lines; a connectionmeans for connecting said plurality of members at the preset partinglines, wherein said plurality of members are connected so that saidposition detecting means extends around a surface of the running coursewhere the moving objects are raced; a plurality of sound generatingmeans disposed at preset positions along said running course; a soundgeneration control means for electrically generating simulated sounds ofthe moving objects from the plurality of sound generating means, saidsimulated sounds having a sound volume wherein the sound volume of saidsimulated sounds from each said sound generating means is based on thepreset positions of the sound generating means in relation to adirection of movement of each of said moving objects and the positionsof the moving objects on said running course, said sound volume fromeach sound generating means being adjusted to compensate for changes inthe direction of movement of each of said moving objects and thepositions of each moving object; a light emitting means for outputtinglight from an upper surface or a side of the running course, the lightemitting means outputting light, said light corresponding to themovements of the moving objects on the running course; a game screen fordisplaying game information to a player, wherein said player can writeon said game screen by pressing the game screen to display a trace ofthe pressing over the game information displayed on the game screen; astoring means for storing game information corresponding to a pluralityof races, which are to be held; a selecting means for selecting gameinformation corresponding to a race stored in said storing means, saidselected game information being displayed on said game screen; a startgate, at which a plurality of the running objects are aligned to begin arace, said start gate comprising a plurality of gates, which open andclose, said gates at which the running objects are aligned being openedwhen a race is started; and an alterable visual display means associatedwith each of said plurality of gates, said alterable visual displaymeans generating an output signal and thereby transmitting informationto a player of said race game.